SEC Power Rankings: LSU – Alabama set up for another instant classic

Oct 31, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Faton Bauta (10) throws the ball against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In an attempt to provide a spark for an offense that scored just nine points in its last game two weeks ago, Georgia turned to Faton Bauta to make his first career start. It didn’t go well. For the second game in a row, the Bulldogs failed to score a touchdown.

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Bauta, a junior who had completed four of five career pass attempts for 48 yards, struggled and managed only 154 yards on 15-for-33 passing and was intercepted four times. Expected to add a running element to the offense from the QB position, Bauta ran only three times, including a sack, for four yards.

Georgia head coach Mark Richt was also expected to play multiple quarterbacks, but stuck with Bauta under center the entire game. Interestingly enough, however, backup QB Brice Ramsey was the only other Bulldog to attempt a pass but it came on a failed fake punt because Ramsey handled the punting duties during the game. Greyson Lambert, who started the first seven games of the season, didn’t play at all.

The Bulldogs struggled to contain the Florida rushing attack, and allowed 258 rushing yards, but the Georgia defense played relatively well most of the game. The Gators scored their first touchdown after punt returner Reggie Davis muffed a punt that rolled into the end zone and Florida recovered, and added a score just before halftime after a Bauta interception was returned all the way to the five-yard line by Vernon Hargreaves III.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs must now shift their focus from an SEC title game appearance to bowl eligibility. Kentucky comes to town next week.

Next Game: Saturday November 7 vs. Kentucky

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